Interlocking roofing shingle



July 30, 1968 A. w. SKE LTON, JR

INTERLOCKING ROOFING SHINGLE Filed April 14 1966 JINVENTOR. w. SKELTON, JP.

ARTHUR ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,394,520 INTERLOCKING ROOFING SHINGLE Arthur W. Shelton, Jr., P.0. Box 134, Charlevoix, Mich. 49720 Filed Apr. 14, 1966, Ser. No. 542,688 8 Claims. (Cl. 52-521) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A triple locking shingle having a pair of downwardly facing channels on the outer side of the shingle, along the upper edge thereof, an upwardly facing flange on the inner side of the shingle along the upper edge of a plurality of recesses in the long end of the shingle, and an upwardly facing flange on the inner side of the shingle along the lower edge of each of the single portions between the recesses.

This invention relates generally to roofing shingles for use on dwellings and other buildings, and more particularly to a permanent roofing shingle construction that will provide an interlocked, self-sealing shingle covering.

The prior art shingles, such as asphalt shingles with embedded surface granules, have many inherent disadvantages. For example, when such prior art or conventional shingles are used on roofs, snow and ice accumulate on the roof thereby adding considerable weight. This requires the use of reinforcing members in the roof structure in order to accommodate the weight of the ice and snow. Accordingly, it will be seen that the added load tolerance, in itself, is one disadvantage in using known roofing constructions. A further disadvantage of such prior art shingles is that many of the surface granules are removed from the asphalt material when ice and snow slide off of a roof provided with such shingles under the force of gravity. Thereafter, during the warm months of the year, the heat of the sun is absorbed by the exposed portions of the asphalt material. The loss of the surface granules also detracts from the appearance or aesthetic quality of the shingle design. A further disadvantage of the prior art shingles is that there is a tendency for moisture to accumulate under the shingles, thereby causing a fungus-type growth. This growth results from a lack of evaporation of the accumulated moisture between the roofing material and the wood understructure.

In view of the foregoing, it is an important object of the present invention to provide a permanent type shingle which will overcome the aforementioned inherent shortcomings or disadvantages in the conventional shingle constructions.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a shingle design made of permanent roofing material wherein undesired vibrations of the material due to wind currents are eliminated.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a roofing shingle which is formed of permanent material and which will not result in an increased roof load in comparison to the roof load experienced with conventional roofing. This is due to the fact that snow and ice will tend to slide off the roofing of the present invention due to the slope of the roof, thereby preventing a unit weight build-up.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a permanent shingle adapted to be made of any suitable materials, as for example, polyvinyl chloride, which is easy to clean, can be made in all colors, does not corrode, blister, warp, dent, split or show scratches, which does not conduct heat or electricity, will not interfere with radio 'or television reception, muffles outside noises, and which ice is fireproof, self extinguishing and does not require paintmg.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a shingle which is formed of permanent material and wherein individual shingles are double interlocked in four places around the shingle tab and single locked across the top of the tab. The lower margin of one shingle is adapted to establish an interlocking connection between the upper end or margin of a first companion shingle and an intermediate region of a second companion shingle. This establishes a sealing action between the surfaces of the individual shingles and provides a rigid, interlocked assembly that is free of vibrations. Suitable retainer or fastening means may be used for attaching the interlocked shingles to the roof substructure, and the overlapping of the shingles prevents removal of the retainer or fastening means. The novel overlapping construction of the shingles provides rapid lateral or endwise alignment of the shingles during assembly. The interlocking portions of the shingles are provided with ridges or serrations which function to provide a positive lock between shingles at certain points and also effect a waterproof connection between the shingles without any slipping therebetween.

Other objects, features and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, appended claims, and the accompanying drawing.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a fragmentary portion of a roofing construction made in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-section view of the structure illustrated in FIG. 1, taken along the line 2-2 thereof, and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the elements of an interlocked shingle assembly made in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and,

FIG. 4 is a horizontal, fragmentary section view of the structure illustrated in FIG. 1, taken along the line 44 thereof, and looking in the direction of the arrows.

In the drawing, the shingle assembly of the present invention has been illustrated in FIG. 1 in the form of a fragmentary portion of a shingle assembly mounted on the roof of a building. FIG. 2 shows a vertical section view of the structure of FIG. 1 and illustrates the interlocking construction of the shingle assembly of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded view and shows the parts of the shingle assembly of FIG. 1 in the relationship in which they are successively mounted on a building roof and interlocked with each other.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the shingle assembly of the present invention includes a base shingle or shingle starter strip, generally indicated by the numeral 10, and which includes an elongated plate-like body 11. Integrally formed on the lower end of the inner side of the shingle starter strip body 11 is an integral, perpendicular, inwardly extended flange 12, which is in turn integral with the lower end of a vertical flange 13. The flange 13 extends upwardly in a parallel, spaced apart position relative to the body 11. A perpendicular, rearwardly extended flange 15 is formed integral with the upper end of the vertical flange 13 and is adapted to be mounted on the lower edge of the roofing sub-structure boards 16 of the roof of a building, as shown in FIG. 2, when in an assembled position on the building.

As shown in FIG. 2, the body portion 11 of the shingle starter strip 10 is adapted to be mounted on the usual tar paper covering 17 or the like, which is mounted over the roofing boards 16 of the roof of a building. The body portion 11 is secured to the roofing boards 16 by any suitable means as by a plurality of suitable retainer members, as nails, or as screws 19 which extend through the holes 1'8 in the upper end of the body portion 11.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the inwardly disposed flange 13 on the lower end of the shingle starter strip body 11 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally extended, vertically spaced apart, outwardly extended integral ridges 14 which are adapted to engage a mating surface on the shingle 27 which is disposed on the starter strip 10, as more fully explained hereafter, and to provide a positive water barrier and weather sealing engagement therewith. The ridges 14 also provide a locking function and may be made in any suitable manner as, for example, with outwardly extended, longitudinal sharp edges or serrations. As shown in FIG. 1, the shingle starter strips are assembled in end to end relationship. The numeral 25 indicates the juncture between the two illustrated shingle starter strips 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, the shingle starter strip 10 is provided along the upper end thereof with a longitudinal, outwardly extended flange 21) which is disposed perpendicular to the body 11, on the outer side of the shingle starter strip. An integral flange 21 is formed on the outer end of the flange in a position spaced apart from the starter strip body 11 and parallel thereto. The outer face of the flange 21 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally extended serrations or ridges 22 which are formed integral with the flange 21 and function in the same manner as the aforementioned ridges 14 to prevent sliding and to provide a waterproof seal. An integral flange 23 is formed on the lower side of the flange 20 in an intermediate position between the flange 21 and the starter strip body 11. The flange 23 is shorter than the flange 21 and is parallel to the flange 21 and the starter strip body 11. Flange 23 is provided on the inner surface thereof with a plurality of ridges 24 which extend longitudinally of the flange 23, and which function in the same manner as the ridges 14. It will be seen that the retainer holes 18 are disposed adjacent the upper margin or edge of the shingle starter strip 10, and that the flange 20 is disposed immediately below the holes 18.

The next shingle of the shingle assembly of the present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 27. As shown in FIG. 3, the shingle 27 includes a body portion comprising an upper end portion 28 which is adapted to be seated flush against the tar paper covering 17 as shown in FIG. 2. The body portion of the shingle 27 further includes the integral downwardly and outwardly upper intermediate sloping portion 29 which extends between the upper end portion 28 and the lower intermediate body portion 30 which is parallel to the upper end portion 28 and which is spaced apart outwardly toward the front side of the shingle.

As shown in FIG. 3, the shingle 27 is provided along the lower margin thereof with a plurality of evenly spaced recesses 32. The recesses 32 in the embodiment shown are of a trapezoidal shape, although it is contemplated that they also may be rectangular in shape or any other suitable shape, depending upon the shingle design that is desired after the shingles are assembled. The lower end of the body of the shingle 27 is thus provided with a plurality of evenly spaced, downwardly extended legs 31 which are trapezoidal in shape, and inverted in shape relative to the shape of the recesses 32.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the legs 31 is provided with a means on the lower end thereof for interlocking engagement with the flanges 12 and 13 on the shingle starter strip 10. An integral, rearwardly extended flange 34 is formed on the lower end of each leg 31 and it extends perpendicularly rearward from each leg 31, and it is integral at the outer end thereof with a second flange 36 which extends upwardly in a position parallel and spaced from each leg 31. Each flange 34 is provided with a weep hole or drainage hole 35. A plurality of longitudinally extended ridges or serrations 37 are formed on the front side of the flange 36 and are adapted to be engaged with the ridges 14 on the rear face of the flange 13 when the shingle 27 is mounted on the shingle starter strip 10, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, the ridges 14 and 37, and the other ridges heretofore described, and hereafter described, are not shown for purposes of clarity since they are very small. It will be seen that the particular ridges 14 and 37 provide an interlocking action, as well as a gripping and waterproof action in this particular instance.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, each of the shingle legs 31 is provided along the sides thereof with an inwardly folded triangular flange 33 which is adapted to be seated against the body 11 of the shingle starter strip. The flanges 33 are integral with the legs 31 and function to support the legs 31 in positions spaced apart from the shingle starter strip 11 and they further function to give the appearance of thickness to the shingle. The flanges 33 extend downwardly from the upper ends of the legs 31 and terminate at a point approximately adjacent the upper ends of the flanges 36.

The shingle 27 further includes an interlocking angle means on the rear side of the lower intermediate portion 30 and this interlocking means extends longitudinally of the shingle. As shown in FIG. 3, the last mentioned interlocking means includes the integral flange 38 which extends rearwardly and perpendicularly from the lower intermediate body portion 30. Integrally formed on the outer end of the flange 38 is an upwardly extended flange 39 which is parallel to the body portion 30 and spaced rearwardly apart therefrom. The flange 39 is provided on the rearward face thereof with .a plurality of integral serrations or ridges 40 which are similar to the previously described ridges 14, 22, 24 and 37, and which function in a similar manner. As shown in FIG. 3, the flange 38 is disposed adjacent the upper edge of the recesses 32.

As shown in FIG. 3, the shingle 27 is provided with an interlocking means along the upper margin thereof which is identical to the interlocking means formed along the upper margin of the shingle starter strip 10. The shingle 27 is provided along the upper margin thereof with a plurality of retainer holes 46 which are formed through the body upper end portion 28. As shown in FIG. 2, the shingle 27 is adapted to be secured to the roofing 16 by any suitable means, as by a plurality of suitable retainer members, as nails, or as screws 47 which extend through the holes 46 and into retaining engagement with the roofing 16.

As shown in FIG. 3, the interlocking means along the upper end of the shingle 27 includes the flanges 41, 42 and 44 which are similar to the flanges 20, 21 and 23, respectively, on the upper end of the shingle starter strip 10. The flange 41 is formed integral with the shingle upper end portion 28 and extends outwardly therefrom and longitudinally of the shingle. Flange 41 is disposed perpendicular to the shingle body portion 28 and has integrally formed on the outer end thereof the downwardly extended flange 42. The flange 42 is spaced apart from the shingle body portion 28 and is parallel thereto. The outer face of the flange 42 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally extended serrations or ridges 43 which are formed integral with the flange 42 and which function in the same manner as the aforementioned ridges 14, 22, 24, 37 and 40. The flange 44 is integrally formed on the lower side of the flange 41 in an intermediate position between the flange 42 and the shingle body portion 28. Flange 44 is shorter than flange 42 and is parallel to the flange 42 and the shingle body portion 28. Flange 44 is provided on the inner surface thereof with a plurality of serrations or ridges 45 which extend longitudinally of the flange 44, and which function in the same manner the previously described ridges. As shown in FIG. 3, the shingles 27 are assembled in end to end relationship and the numeral 26 indicates the parting or juncture line between a pair of individual shingles 27.

The shingles in the next succeeding row of shingles in the shingle assembly are designated by the reference numerals 27a. The shingles 27a are substantially identical to the shingles 27, and accordingly, the corresponding parts have been designated by the same reference numerals, followed by the small letter a. As shown in FIG. 1, the shingles in the next succeeding row of shingles in the shingle assembly are designated by the numerals 27b. The shingles 27b are substantially identical to the shingles 27, and accordingly, the corresponding parts have been marked with the same reference numerals followed by the small letter b.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the manner in which the individual shingles would be assembled to form a shingle assembly. The flange on the shingle starter strip 10 is shown seated in flush engagement with the lower end of the roofing 16. The numeral 19 indicates the re'ainer screw holding the shingle starter strip 10 in position on the roofing 16. The shingles 27 are shown mounted on the roofing 16 with the lower interlocking means formed by the flanges 12 and 13 disposed around the lower end of the shingle starter strip 10 and with the ridges 14 on the shingle starter strip 10 in engagement with the ridges 37 on the shingle 27. The upper end of the shingle 27 is secured to the roofing 16 by means of the screws 47. The intermediate locking means on the shingle 27 is also engaged with the interlocking means on the upper end of the shingle starter strip 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the flange 40 is seated between the flanges 21 and 23 on the upper end of the shingle starter strip 10. The next row of shingles 27a is disposed above the row of shingles 27 and the shingles 27a are interlocked with the shingles 27 in the same manner as the shingles 27 are interlocked with the shingle starter strips 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the interlocking means on the legs 31a of the shingle 27a is interlocked with the upper end of the shingle starter strip 10 by means of the flange 36a seated between the shingle starter strip body rear wall and the flange 23. The legs 31a are flexed outwardly, as shown in FIG. 2, when they are in the interlocked position With the shingle starter strip 10. The legs 31a are each aligned with one of the recesses 32 in the shingles 27 and the flanges 34a through the recesses 32 and underlie against the flanges 38 on the shingles 27. It will also be seen that the legs 31 on the lower shingles 27 are flexed and slope downwardly and inwardly toward the roofing 16. The intermediate interlocking means on the shingles 27a are interlocked with the shingles 27 by means of the flange 39a being seated between the flanges 42 and 44 on the upper end of the shingles 27. The next row of shingles 27b are interlocked with the shingles 27a and 27 in a similar manner.

The succeeding shingles are then assembled in the aforedescribed fashion in a repetitive manner until the entire roof is covered. It will be seen that the joints between the various shingles create an effective weatherproof seal which also prevents vibration of the shingles under the influence of 'wind forces. The interlocking joints or connections between the shingles also prevent entry of water into the roof understructure. It will be seen that the shingles interlock with each other in a secure fashion to form three-element joints, in spaced apart positions along each row of shingles. The particular overlapping arrangement of the shingles also covers and locks the shingle nails or screws in place and prevents their removal.

It will be understood that any of several materials may be used for forming the shingles of the present invention. Also, appropriate colors may be used so that the shingles will blend into any decorating scheme. One suitable material is a plastic material readily available on the market and known as polyvinyl chloride. Any other suitable plastic or metal may be used, but it has been found that polyvinyl chloride may be extruded in a fast and economical manner to form the flanges of the present invention with its aforedescribed interlocking flange means. The shingle can be made by blanking and forming the shingle tabs. Polyvinyl chloride is the preferable material since it is non-combustible, resists indentation, as opposed to aluminum or steel, is a non-conductor of electricity and heat, and does not provide any capillary action as does metal. Snow and ice also will readily slide off of the shingles of the present invention. Further advantages of polyvinyl chloride are that it will not warp, split, or show scratches, and it does not require painting. It can be made in all colors, and the colors are homogeneous and solid throughout the cross section of a shingle made from the last mentioned material.

The total load for which the roof must be designed will be less when the shingle construction of the present invention is used if it is compared to the design roof load that is necessary when conventional asphalt shingles are employed. This is due to the fact that snow and ice will tend to slide off of the roof that is provided with the improved shingle construction of the present invention, and will not be allowed to accumulate as in the case of conventional asphalt shingles.

The shingle construction of the present invention also acts as an insulator. It is effective to reflect back into the dwelling by radiation, if it is made of metal, a substantial portion of the heat that would otherwise escape through the roof. It also reflects, during warm months of the year, the heat due to sunlight, thereby maintaining a dwelling at a cooler temperature than would be possible if asphalt shingles were employed.

While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiment of the invention herein disclosed is well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.

What I claim is:

1. In an interlocking shingle assembly, the combination comprising: individual shingles with each shingle being provided with a pair of adjacent, spaced apart, downwardly extending flanges on the outer side, along the entire length of the upper end thereof which form a pair of downwardly facing channels comprising an inner channel and an outer channel; each of said Shingles being provided with recesses formed along the lower end thereof, at regularly spaced locations; each of said shingles being provided with an upwardly extended flange on the inner side, along the entire length of each of the lower end edge portions between said recesses; said recesses including an upper edge formed parallel to the upper and lower end edges of the shingles; each of said shingles being provided with an upwardly extended flange on the inner side, along the entire length of the shingle along the upper edges of said recesses; the upwardly extended flanges on the lower end edge portions of one shingle overlying the upper edges of the recesses and the flange along said recesses in the immediately preceding shingle and extended into the inner channel on the upper end of the second preceding shingle, and the upwardly extended flange along the upper edges of the recesses on the inner side of the immediately preceding shingle is extended upwardly into said outer channel to form a triple locked shingle assembly.

2. An interlocking shingle assembly as defined in claim 1, including: fastening means for securing said shingles to a roof understructure at a location between the upper end edge of each shingle and the upper edges of the recesses thereof, whereby the next succeeding shingle will overlie the fastening means that is employed.

3. An interlocking shingle assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein: said shingles are formed of metallic sheet material thereby defining a permanent interlocked shingle assembly that will prevent a build-up of ice and snow on the roof of the dwelling and which will act as an inherent heat insulator for the dwelling.

4. An interlocking shingle assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein: said shingles are formed of a plastic material in the form of sheets, and wherein said flanges are integrally formed on the shingles.

5. An interlocking shingle assembly as defined in claim 1, including: starter strip shingles with each starter strip shingle being provided with an inwardly directed flange along the lower edge thereof adapted to be secured to the lower edge of a roof or a dwelling and with means adapted to be engaged by said upwardly extended flanges on the lower end edges of said immediately preceding shingles; and, each of said starter strip shingles being provided with a pair of adjacent, spaced apart downwardly extended flanges on the outer side, along the entire length of the upper end thereof which form a pair of downwardly facing channels comprising an inner channel and an outer channel and adapted to be engaged by the upwardly extended flanges on the lower end edges of said second preceding shingles and the upwardly extended flanges along the upper edges of the recesses on the immediately preceding shingles.

6. An interlocking shingle assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein: said flanges comprise angle members.

7. An interlocking shingle assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein: the said one shingles in said assembly and said immediately preceding shingles in said assembly and said second preceding shingles in said assembly are each respectively arranged in end to end abutting relationship.

8. An interlocking shingle assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein: the portions of the shingles between the recesses comprise tabs having side flanges which extend rearwardly to provide a support means and give the appearance of increased thickness to the shingles, and present a positive shadowline of shingle shape.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,766,861 10/1956 Abramson 52531 3,108,405 10/1963 Charles 52531 3,114,218 12/1963 Macquere 52--531 X 3,283,462 11/1966 Gregoire 52394 HENRY C. SUTHERLAND, Primary Examiner.

ALFRED C. PERHAM, Assistant Examiner. 

